Rovers target released

Dutch ace set for trial at Blackburn

By Chris Burton   Last updated: 18th September 2008

Ugur Yildirim

Yildirim: Rovers target

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Ugur Yildirim has been released by Sivasspor, paving the way for a trial at Blackburn.

Rovers offered the 26-year-old an opportunity to impress at Ewood Park earlier in the week, unaware that their target was set to become a free agent.

The winger only signed for Turkish outfit Sviasspor in January, but has fallen out of favour after a tactical change by manager Ozkan Gogan.

Rovers are not understood to be looking to add to their ranks until January, but could make an exception for Yildirim should he catch the eye of Paul Ince.

Terminated

Dogan confirmed he now expects Yildirim to head to England and feels the one-cap Holland international will be suited to Premier League football.

"Ugur is a great player, be he doesn't fit in out 4-3-2-1 formation," he said.

"Ugur asked us to terminate his deal and we agreed to do so, meaning that he's a free agent now.

"Blackburn are after his signature and I think that's a good club for him."

Meanwhile, another player looking to make an impact at Ewood Park is Carlos Villanueva.

The Chile international joined Rovers on a season-long loan over the summer, but is yet to be handed his top flight bow.

An impressive performance in a Carling Cup outing against Grimsby suggests the 22-year-old has the ability to be a success in England, and he is determined to win a permanent switch to these shores.

Ambition

He told the Lancashire Telegraph: "I was really happy with how my debut went and my main aim now is to keep performing to that same level.

"The fans really got behind me and I hope I sent them home with some good feelings. I want them to feel the club has signed a good player.

"My main goal this season is to get as many minutes as possible in the Premier League. At the moment I'm only here on loan but I'd love to stay here for many years to come."

Villanueva arrived at Rovers from Audax Italiano in August and has expressed his gratitude to Ince for allowing him to realise his dreams.

"I always dreamed of playing in Europe and to play in the Premier League, which is the most important league in Europe," he said.

"I know there haven't been many players from Chile who have played in the Premier League before so it would be great to do well and get Chile recognised.

"My move has created a lot of interest back home and everyone seems happy that I'm here.

"Now I want to repay the manager for having the faith to bring me here by doing well for the club."